Thursday, November 15, 2012

White Makeovers

Folks, I've got a series of white transformations to show you today - a chair, a (faux) horse, a dress form and a Santa. How's that for variety?
Before Thanksgiving, I get into creative mode for the all-out Christmas decorating. Here's what I've been up to...

This chair got a Jeanne D'Arc Living-inspired makeover:

I used some leftover paint from our bedroom, 'Sea Pearl' by Benjamin Moore for the chair, as well as a grain sack I had hanging in the kitchen to cover the seat.

Here's how the $5 chair looked before, after I rescued it from the White Elephant outlet store outside in the rain:

The wet seat cover was removed and I replaced it with new foam & batting after painting the chair.

Now to the horse...I've always loved the look of wooden horses in Christmas displays. Here is a page from my favorite 'White Christmas' book by Tricia Foley:

And here is another source of inspiration from the latest Jeanne D'Arc Living 'Touch of France' Xmas book:

A couple of months ago I spotted an unusual paper mache horse at my thrift store. What are the odds of finding something like that? It looked very retro 80's with all the dried up flowers & pink ribbon:

I knew this fella had potential. I took it to the check-out counter, ready to spend my $1 on it, when I encountered a lovely lady who exclaimed just how adorable it was. I didn't have the heart to tell her I had major plans to transform it to this...

I just dry-brushed on some white paint mixed with gesso, and left the torn areas a bit exposed for a vintage look. Gone is the cutesy pink!

I can't wait to adorn my horse with some greenery for Christmas!

Now...on to the mini dress form. This pretty gal from TJ Maxx...

...got a similar dry-brush paint treatment to age it a bit:

Ooh la la!

Are you still with me? I've got one more small transformation to share.
Do you recall this jolly Santa I scored in June while treasure hunting with my peeps?

I wasn't fond of the bright gold gifts in his sleigh. After unwrapping the gifts, I discovered they were made from styrofoam blocks (how clever!). I used the gold wrap as a template and cut out white muslin pieces the same size:

The gifts were wrapped using hot glue, and adorned with lovely seam binding ribbon. Now Santa's sleigh is more my style...

my goodness..you've been busy! love the petite paquet transformation on your santa sleigh. so "you!" and how serendipitous to find that paper mache horse just when you were looking to incorporate one into your holiday decor! and the chair...wow...LOVE! well done mon amie! all of my holiday decorating/planning will have to wait until I return from London (yea). And then i'll be hitting the ground running!! ;)

Love each of your beautiful transformation. The most important when we buy something in a budget is to be able to see the potential, and after to express our syle.wish you a dreamy week endxoxo from PARIS by nightJoëlle

I love everything you have done! I want that chair, lol. You did an amazing job with it! And that horse!! How perfect! That Christmas book is just gorgeous too. So many beautiful, inspiring ideas.Have a lovely Thanksgiving,Amy

You sure have been busy, Susan! Love your dress form, I know you'll have so much fun with it! And of course your chair is amazing, so is the cute horse! Sometimes the smallest changes have the biggest impact, like your wrapped packages. Love them all!!

Wow! These are amazing makeovers! You have such an awesome eye for design and ways to make things really come into their own. LOVE what you did with that chair! I'm going to remember that next time I'm at the antique mall...

I'm crushin' on your chair Susan!!! I love how you up-cycled all of these cast offs and made them part of your beautiful home!I loved reading your last post and the reason you love this time of year so much. I have the same sentiments and loved how well you put it!sending hugs...

About Me

This blog allows me to share my love of decorating and crafting with a French/Nordic vintage style. I am pleased to have found so many like-minded friends in the process. The blog is named in honor of my grandmother Evelyn and great-grandmother Rose, whose talents I can only hope to have inherited.
I'm blessed to be married to a wonderful man and staying at home with our two children whom I'm crazy about.